"And doesn't it seem likely to you that it will, Mr. Baldwin, unless something happens to the 'Victor'?"
"I fear I was never built for slow, patient work like this," sighed the financier. "Gaining one second in every hour would wear me out in time."
Before dark Captain Halstead had the hull clearly in sight. The "Victor," however, was still some five miles in the lead, nor did the "Panther" appear to be gaining, much more than half a mile an hour.
It was Third Officer Costigan's watch on the bridge, by this time. Dick Davis, however, did not feel like turning in, and spent much of his time pacing the deck forward, keeping a sharp lookout.
Just before dark the motor yacht's searchlight was turned on. A few minutes later its thin, bright ribbon of light was kept almost constantly turned on the craft ahead.
Tom Halstead and Joe spent a comfortable amount of time over their dinner at table in the captain's cabin.
"I guess Mr. Baldwin wonders that we can take any comfort at this sort of thing," laughed Joe. "I'll wager he doesn't give much time to his supper to-night."
"Perhaps we wouldn't, either, if we owned considerable stock in the Sheepmen's Bank, as Mr. Baldwin does," murmured Halstead. "For him, and for some of the others aboard, this race is for tremendously heavy stakes. I wish, though, that Mr. Baldwin could realize that, even if we do eat, and even nap, we are straining every nerve to catch up with the other boat."
Just then the buzzer for the bridge speaking tube sounded. Tom was able to reach the mouthpiece without leaving the table.
"Captain," reported Mr. Costigan, "the craft ahead seems to be making somewhat less speed."